Concentrations of the metals Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn, as well as the macronutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S were measured in water, sediments, and the aquatic macrophytes Potamogeton pectinatus and Myriophyllum... more
Concentrations of the metals Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn, as well as the macronutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S were measured in water, sediments, and the aquatic macrophytes Potamogeton pectinatus and Myriophyllum spicatum, growing in surface water receiving sewages and solid wastes from a copper smelter and a copper ore processing factory located in the Legnica-Glogow copper district in Southwest Poland. The deposition of mineral wastes in this area belong to the largest repository in Europe. The plants were able to survive at heavily contaminated sites. The concentrations of Cd (up to 0.6-1.7 microg/L in water and up to 10.1-12.9 mg/kg in sediments), Cu (up to 29-48 microg/L in water and up to 4.6-5.6g/kg in sediments), Pb (up to 1.5-2.2 g/kg in sediments), and Zn (up to 167-200 microg/L in water and up to 1.4-1.8 g/kg in sediments) seriously exceeded background values. P. pectinatus was able to survive tissue concentrations (in mg/kg) of up to 920 Cu, 6240 Mn, 98 Co, and 59 Ni, while M. spicatum survived tissue concentrations up to 1040 Cu, 6660 Mn, and 57 Co for. Enrichment ratios of elements in plant tissue and in water were much higher than those between plant tissue and sediments.
Research Interests: Chemistry, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Chemistry, Mining, Aquatic Plants, and 15 moreMedicine, Poland, Environmental Sciences, Copper, Aquatic Macrophytes, Heavy Metal, Metals, CHEMICAL SCIENCES, Angiosperms, Sewage, Fresh water, Industrial Waste, Myriophyllum Spicatum, Geologic Sediments, and Medical and Health Sciences
The past uranium/polymetallic mining activities in the Sudety (SW Poland) left abandoned mines, pits, and dumps of waste rocks with trace elements and radionuclides which may erode or leach out and create a potential risk for the aquatic... more
The past uranium/polymetallic mining activities in the Sudety (SW Poland) left abandoned mines, pits, and dumps of waste rocks with trace elements and radionuclides which may erode or leach out and create a potential risk for the aquatic ecosystem, among others. In the present work four rivers affected by effluents from such mines were selected to evaluate the application of aquatic mosses for the bioindication of 56 elements. Naturally growing F. antipyretica and P. riparioides were compared with transplanted samples of the same species. The results demonstrate serious pollution of the examined rivers, especially with As, Ba, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ti, U and Zn, reaching extremely high concentrations in native moss samples. In the most polluted rivers native F. antipyretica and P. riparioides samples showed significantly higher concentrations of As, Ba, Cu, Fe, La, Nd, Ni, Pb, U and Zn than corresponding transplanted samples, whereas at less polluted sites a reverse situation was sometimes ob...
Research Interests: Arsenic, Environmental Monitoring, Rivers, Mining, Poland, and 4 moreMultidisciplinary, Pergamon, Uranium, and Metals
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Because of its high mobility in ecosystems, mercury is one of the main toxic threats to the environment, and its concentration must be carefully controlled. To fulfill this need, we selected terrestrial mosses with different... more
Because of its high mobility in ecosystems, mercury is one of the main toxic threats to the environment, and its concentration must be carefully controlled. To fulfill this need, we selected terrestrial mosses with different characteristic life forms: orthotropic and endohydric Polytrichum commune and plagiotropic and ectohydric Pleurozium schreberi. The concentrations of mercury were determined in both species growing together at sites situated approximately 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 6km to the north, south, east and west, respectively of five known mercury polluters. The mercury concentrations reflected the emissions produced by the surrounding industry, reaching values of 0.44mgkg(-1) in P. schreberi and 0.79mgkg(-1) in P. commune in the vicinity of the chlor-alkali industry. To determine how long a load of Hg would remain in the mosses after mercury emitters restricted releases of Hg to the atmosphere, accumulation and desorption experiments were performed. We compared the two moss species collected from clean and moderately and heavily mercury-polluted sites. After eight days of exposure to mercury, P. schreberi accumulated up to 25mgkg(-1) of Hg, and P. commune accumulated up to 31mgkg(-1). Both in the field and in the experiment, P. commune accumulated significantly higher concentrations of Hg than did P. schreberi, most likely because of its surface morphology, which is likely to enhance the capture of metal from the atmosphere. After sixteen days of exposure, mercury changed the structure of the plasma membrane and affected organelles such as the nuclei and chloroplasts, leading to cell disintegration and death. The negative effects of mercury on the functioning of living cells appeared first in the older leaves of P. schreberi. After 64 days growing in the absence of Hg, P. schreberi clearly retained only 10-14% of the initially accumulated Hg, while P. commune retained 10-21%.
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The Kozi Brod (left tributary of the Biala Przemsza, east of Katowice) flows in a highly industrial coal-mining area dominated by the power plant of Siersza. Concentrations of the microelements nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co),... more
The Kozi Brod (left tributary of the Biala Przemsza, east of Katowice) flows in a highly industrial coal-mining area dominated by the power plant of Siersza. Concentrations of the microelements nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), barium (Ba), aluminum (Al), vanadium (V), and strontium (Sr), as well as the macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and sulfur (S), were measured in water and plants of the Kozi Brod. The collected plants were: Myosotis palustris L. Nathorst, Galium palustre L., Mentha rotundifolia L. Huds., Mentha aquatica L., Berula erecta (Huds.) Coville, Cardamine amara L., Epilobium angustifolium L., Geranium palustre L., Lysimachia vulgaris L., Crepis paludosa L. Much., Calitriche verna L., Solanum dulcamara L., and the aquatic moss Hygrohypnum ochraceum (Turn.) Loesk. These plants were used to evaluate the spatial distribution of elements in the Kozi Brod and contained elevated levels of Co, Cd, Zn, Ni, Mn, Al, Pb, and Cu. Significant correlations between concentrations of Cd, Zn, and Mn in water and plants indicate the potential of these species for pollution monitoring.
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Nymphaeion alliance vegetation is dominant floating-leaved vegetation in the Danube–Tisza–Danube hydrosystem in northwestern Serbia and comprises Nymphaeetum albae, Nymphaeetum albo-luteae, Nymphoidetum peltatae and Trapetum natantis... more
Nymphaeion alliance vegetation is dominant floating-leaved vegetation in the Danube–Tisza–Danube hydrosystem in northwestern Serbia and comprises Nymphaeetum albae, Nymphaeetum albo-luteae, Nymphoidetum peltatae and Trapetum natantis associations. Comparative analysis of physical-chemical water parameters on localities where these – in most parts of Europe endangered and vulnerable stands – develop showed that most phytocenoses are associated with specific habitat conditions. Of the analyzed water properties, the factors that cause Nymphaeion alliance phytocenoses differentiation are primarily pH, alkalinity and COD-MnO 4 . Formation of the Nymphaeetum albae stands is significantly associated with the highest values of pH, COD-MnO 4 and alkalinity, and the lowest nitrate, nitrite, dissolved and the total phosphorus content values, in comparison to the other studied associations. Nymphoidetum peltatae stands develop in waters characterized by the lowest pH and COD-MnO 4 , low alkalin...
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This investigation was conducted to identify the content of metals in Calluna vulgaris (family Ericaceae), Empetrum nigrum (family Ericaceae), Festuca vivipara (family Poaceae) and Thymus praecox subsp. arcticus (family Lamiaceae), as... more
This investigation was conducted to identify the content of metals in Calluna vulgaris (family Ericaceae), Empetrum nigrum (family Ericaceae), Festuca vivipara (family Poaceae) and Thymus praecox subsp. arcticus (family Lamiaceae), as well as in the soils where they were growing in eight geothermal heathlands in Iceland. Investigation into the vegetation of geothermal areas is crucial and may contribute to their proper protection in the future and bring more understanding under what conditions the plants respond to an ecologically more extreme situation. Plants from geothermally active sites were enriched with metals as compared to the same species from non-geothermal control sites (at an average from about 150 m from geothermal activity). The enriched metals consisted of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe and Ni in C. vulgaris; Cd, Mn and Ti in E. nigrum; Hg and Pb in F. vivipara; and Cd, Fe and Hg in T. praecox. Notably, C. vulgaris, E. nigrum, F. vivipara and T. praecox had remarkably high concentra...
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Concentrations of the elements Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, Ni, P, Pb, and Zn were measured in needles and bark of Taxus baccata from the urban environment of Wroclaw, Poland, and from a control site relatively free from... more
Concentrations of the elements Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, Ni, P, Pb, and Zn were measured in needles and bark of Taxus baccata from the urban environment of Wroclaw, Poland, and from a control site relatively free from pollution. In Wroclaw the concentrations of N, P, K, and Mg in needles were significantly higher than in bark, but concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu Fe, Ni, and Zn were significantly higher in bark than in needles. Concentration of Pb was comparable in needles and bark. The only exception was Mn, whose concentration was significantly higher in needles. PCCA ordination confirmed the relationship between the elemental concentrations in needle and bark, and the level of pollution. The most polluted needles and bark projected more closely with Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb and, additionally, bark projected more closely with Zn.
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Concentrations of accumulated heavy metals were compared between the terrestrial bryophyte Pohlia nutans and needles and bark of Larix decidua collected on a dump situated in the vicinity of coke- and sulphuric acid-producing factories... more
Concentrations of accumulated heavy metals were compared between the terrestrial bryophyte Pohlia nutans and needles and bark of Larix decidua collected on a dump situated in the vicinity of coke- and sulphuric acid-producing factories and a municipal thermal-electric power station. The dump consisted of heavily polluted mine and smelter wastes located near Walbrzych (southwestern Poland). The plant samples were compared with material of the same species from the control site. in the examined area needles and bark can be considered as suitable biomonitors for atmospheric pollution for Co, Cu, Ni and Pb. Bioac cumulation abilities of Pb in P. nutans and L. decidua needles and Ni in P. nutans and L. decidua bark were similar. Compared to each other needles were better accumulators of Ni and the moss P. nutans was a better accumulator of Co and Cu . P. nutans was a better accumulator of Co, Cu and Pb compared to bark.
Research Interests: Polish and Air pollution
During a period of 60 days assays were carried out with the moss Pohlia nutans transplanted from an uncontaminated control site to a dump consisting of a heavily polluted mine and smelter wastes located near walbrzych in southwestern... more
During a period of 60 days assays were carried out with the moss Pohlia nutans transplanted from an uncontaminated control site to a dump consisting of a heavily polluted mine and smelter wastes located near walbrzych in southwestern Poland. within the same period also samples of native P. nutans growing on the dump substrate were collected together with the same species from a control site. Concentrations of al, fe, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, ni, Pb, V, and zn, as well as , k, Ca, Mg and S, were determined in P. nutans, the dump substrate and the soil of the control site. atmospheric deposition was the main contribu - tion to the levels of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, fe, Mn, ni, Pb and zn in the native and transplanted P. nutans on the examined dump. The obtained results indicate that the transplanted P. nutans accumulated significantly more al, Cd, Co, Cr, fe, ni, Pb and zn than the native moss.
The aim of this paper was to estimate the influence of deposition of N, Mg, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn Cd, and Pb from under canopy in comparison with open space waters on the elemental composition of the moss layer to test the... more
The aim of this paper was to estimate the influence of deposition of N, Mg, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn Cd, and Pb from under canopy in comparison with open space waters on the elemental composition of the moss layer to test the hypothesis that Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. and Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. growing under the influence of canopy throughfall of Quercus robur contain higher amounts of elements than the same species growing in an open area. P. schreberi and H. cupressiforme growing under a Q. robur canopy contained higher amounts of N, Mg, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Ni, Cu, Pb, and H. cupressiforme (in addition also Zn) than the same species growing in an open area. Principal component and classification analysis (PCCA) ordination revealed that P. schreberi and H. cupressiforme growing under throughfall and in open spaces were distinguished by a factor of 1 related to Mg, P, S, Mn, Fe, Zn, Pb (positive scores), and K, Ca (negative scores) and both species were distingui...
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The main objectives of this work were to investigate the range of habitat conditions (in terms of water chemistry and hydromorphological parameters) at sites colonized by
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Abstract Iceland is an area practically free from pollution but threatened by long-range transported anthropogenic contaminants from mid- and low-latitudes. Therefore the load of trace elements in the environment of this island should be... more
Abstract Iceland is an area practically free from pollution but threatened by long-range transported anthropogenic contaminants from mid- and low-latitudes. Therefore the load of trace elements in the environment of this island should be controlled. Accordingly in this investigation we evaluated the level of metals in rocks and soil as well as in two moss species: Sanionia uncinata, Racomitrium lanuginosum and in stems and leaves of the dwarf willow Salix herbacea. The tested hypotheses were: 1) S. uncinata and R. lanuginosum may be used as bioindicators of contaminating metals in Iceland, 2) S. uncinata is a better phytoaccumulator of these metals than R. lanuginosum because of pleated leaves, which increases their surface. No concentration of metals in the examined mosses exceeded the toxicity thresholds for plants. S. uncinata was a better accumulator of Cd, Co and Ni than R. lanuginosum, while R. lanuginosum was a better accumulator of Pb than the other moss growing together in the same sites. Both species accumulated Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in a similar way. R. lanuginosum and S. uncinata collected in the vicinity of various local industries were correlated with the highest levels of all established concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. Both species from sites influenced by sea spray were correlated with the highest concentration of Hg. S. uncinata and R. lanuginosum may be qualified as suitable bioindicators of metal pollution in Iceland. S. herbacea contained elevated concentrations of Cd and Zn without harming effects. Both elements in this plant also had the highest bioaccumulation factors from soil. This species was therefore a more suitable bioindicator of Cd and Zn as well as Co, Cu, Ni and Pb in Iceland than S. uncinata and R. lanuginosum.
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Soil is one of the most important constituents of an ecosystem, playing a crucial role in many environmental reactions and processes. Despite the fact that many environmental studies were conducted in the vicinity of Longyearbyen, very... more
Soil is one of the most important constituents of an ecosystem, playing a crucial role in many environmental reactions and processes. Despite the fact that many environmental studies were conducted in the vicinity of Longyearbyen, very little is known about the physical and chemical properties as well as mineralogy of soils occurring in this town. Thus, the main aims of this study were: (1) to determine the texture, chemical properties and mineralogy of the topsoil horizons of urban soils occurring in the Longyearbyen area (Spitsbergen, Norway); and (2) to determine and explain their spatial distribution within the area of Longyearbyen. In general, the topsoils are characterised by loamy texture; acidic reaction; quite high content of total organic carbon (TOC); high content of Si, Al and Fe; and low content of K, Na, Ca, Mg and P. Quartz, K-feldspar, plagioclase, mica and chlorite are the prevailing minerals. Differences in the concentration of TOC, total nitrogen and elements in t...
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The Karkonosze National Park, an unique mountainous biosphere reserve, is influenced by long-distance anthropogenic atmospheric transport of among others trace elements and additionally by local tourist centres, which may be supplementary... more
The Karkonosze National Park, an unique mountainous biosphere reserve, is influenced by long-distance anthropogenic atmospheric transport of among others trace elements and additionally by local tourist centres, which may be supplementary sources of pollution. Discharged trace elements are non-degradable, and their level must be precisely monitored. Therefore, the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb and Zn in Polytrichum commune and Polytrichastrum formosum collected from the Karkonosze sites influenced only by long-range pollution and from sites in the vicinity of local tourist centres were established. P. commune and P. formosum revealed the ability to accumulate higher concentrations of trace elements while growing in locally contaminated sites in comparison with sites free from such pollution. Therefore, both species may be utilised for bioindication in the Karkonosze National Park. Elevated levels of trace elements in both species (except for Hg) in comparison with concentrations typical for mosses from unpolluted sites point to the existence of pollution of this area. P. commune was a better bioindicator of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb and Rb than P. formosum, probably because of the larger gametophytes and its morphology, which appears prone to an increased uptake of trace elements from the atmosphere.
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SO, NO, and metals (including Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Mg, Fe) present in airborne particulate matter are a major threat to preserving good air quality. The complicated pathways and transformation processes that can change their... more
SO, NO, and metals (including Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Mg, Fe) present in airborne particulate matter are a major threat to preserving good air quality. The complicated pathways and transformation processes that can change their physical/chemical state in the atmosphere renders identifying their origin extremely difficult. With the objective of alleviating this difficulty, we identified and characterized potential local and regional sources of atmospheric pollutants using bioindicators (Hypogymnia physodes) from the Świętokrzyski National Park (SE Poland): 20 lichen samples were collected during winter (February; heating period) and summer (June; vegetative period) seasons and analyzed for metal contents and free radicals concentrations. Our results indicate that the highest gaseous pollutant levels were observed during the heating season, along roads (NO) and at the highest elevation (SO). The semiquinone/phenoxyl radical concentrations correlated during the heating season with the atmo...
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Abstract A herbaceous plant Polygonum arenastrum Bor. (=P. aequele Lindm., Polygonum aviculare ssp. aequale (Lindman) Ascherson & Graebner) (equal-leaved knotgrass), is a widespread, good coloniser, able to survive in wastelands where... more
Abstract A herbaceous plant Polygonum arenastrum Bor. (=P. aequele Lindm., Polygonum aviculare ssp. aequale (Lindman) Ascherson & Graebner) (equal-leaved knotgrass), is a widespread, good coloniser, able to survive in wastelands where other species became extinct. Therefore, the bioindication abilities of this species for F, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were investigated. P.arenastrum was collected from 90 sites affected by six polluting factories: copper smelter, chlor-alkali plant, former ferrous-chromium smelter and active combustion smelter, power plant, cement plant and coke plant. Plant samples were collected at 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 km from each of these polluters in N, S, W and E directions. For comparison, a control site with 16 sampling points was selected in an area relatively free from pollution. Concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn in shoots and roots positively correlated with those in soil (both total and plant-available). Cu, Pb and Zn in P.arenastrum were within the values reported in literature as toxic for other plants with the highest bioaccumulation factor (BF) from soil to shoots for Cr and the highest translocation factor (TF) from roots to shoots for Co and Pb for more and less polluted and control sites. Polygonum arenastrum has a potential to accumulate Cr even in sites with low chromium concentration in soil. Polygonum arenastrum does not show any form of shoot injury at increased levels of F and metals in its tissues. Based on these characteristics we conclude that the ubiquitous P.arenastrum may be utilised as a relevant indicator of contamination in industrial zones and may function as an early warning system of increased toxicity in the environment.
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PBDEs and PCBs are toxic, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and the use of PCBs is forbidden, but they are still present in many environments and biota. 90-day assays were conducted with the moss Pleurozium schreberi transplanted from... more
PBDEs and PCBs are toxic, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and the use of PCBs is forbidden, but they are still present in many environments and biota. 90-day assays were conducted with the moss Pleurozium schreberi transplanted from an uncontaminated control site to ten sites (rural and urban) selected in one of the most polluted regions of Upper Silesia in Poland. Native P. schreberi mosses were collected from the same ten polluted sites. Concentrations of PBDEs (28, 47, 66, 85, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183 and 209) and PCBs (28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180) were determined in all native and transplanted P. schreberi from all sites. Native P. schreberi contained the highest ΣPBDE and ΣPCB levels (63.6ngg(-1) and 4.47pgg(-1), respectively) when collected in the vicinity of a steel smelter. After 90 days of the experiment native and transplanted P. schreberi contained the highest concentrations of the same BDE 209 congener (88-91% of total PBDEs in the native mosses and 85-90% of the...
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The temporal variations in plant chemistry connected with its life cycle may affect the cycling of elements in an ecosystem as well as determine the usefulness of the species in phytoremediation and bioindication. In this context, there... more
The temporal variations in plant chemistry connected with its life cycle may affect the cycling of elements in an ecosystem as well as determine the usefulness of the species in phytoremediation and bioindication. In this context, there is a gap in knowledge on the role of floating plants for elements cycling in aquatic reservoirs. The aim of the study was to determine if there are variations in Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (European frog-bit) bioaccumulation capacity and the growth rate of its population during the growing season and to test the impact of environmental pollution on these features. The content of macroelements (Ca, K, Mg, N, Na, P, S) and trace metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Hg, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) was determined in H. morsus-ranae collected monthly from June to October from habitats differing in environmental contamination. The results showed that the highest content of most trace metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Zn) and some nutrients (N, P) in plants as well as the greatest ...
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The aim of present study was to investigate the level of trace metals and macroelements in Hydrocharis morsus-ranae collected from regions differing in the degree and type of pollution. Concentrations of 17 macro- and microelements were... more
The aim of present study was to investigate the level of trace metals and macroelements in Hydrocharis morsus-ranae collected from regions differing in the degree and type of pollution. Concentrations of 17 macro- and microelements were determined in roots and shoots of European frogbit as well as in water and bottom sediments from 30 study sites. Plants differed in concentrations of elements and bioaccumulation capacity depending on the characteristics of dominant anthropogenic activities in the vicinity of the sampling site. Shoots of H. morsus-ranae growing in the vicinity of organic chemistry plants and automotive industry contained particularly high levels of Cd, Co, and S. Plants from area close to heat and power plant, former ferrochrome industry and new highway, were distinguished by the highest concentrations of Cr, Cu, and Pb. European frogbit from both these regions contained more Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, and Zn than plants from agricultural and recreational areas. The concentrati...
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Metals deposited into ecosystems are non-degradable and become one of the major toxic agents which accumulate in habitats. Thus, their concentration requires precise monitoring. To evaluate pollution around a chlor-alkali plant, a glass... more
Metals deposited into ecosystems are non-degradable and become one of the major toxic agents which accumulate in habitats. Thus, their concentration requires precise monitoring. To evaluate pollution around a chlor-alkali plant, a glass smelter, two power plants and a ceramic and porcelain factory, we selected terrestrial mosses with different life forms: the orthotropic and endohydric Polytrichum commune and plagiotropic and ectohydric Pleurozium schreberi. Metal concentrations were determined in both species growing together at sites situated at various distances approximately 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 6 km from polluters. MARS analysis evaluated different tendencies of both species for Cd, Co and Pb accumulation depending on the distance from the emitter. In P. schreberi, the concentration of these metals diminished relatively rapidly with an increasing distance from the emitter up to 3000 m and then stabilised. For P. commune, a steady decrease could be observed with increasing the dista...
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Abstract Decomposition is one of the fundamental processes that influence the recycling of elements in the ecosystem. Environmental pollution and eutrophication may affect plant decay and, therefore, lead to disturbances in detritus-based... more
Abstract Decomposition is one of the fundamental processes that influence the recycling of elements in the ecosystem. Environmental pollution and eutrophication may affect plant decay and, therefore, lead to disturbances in detritus-based food webs. The objective of the study has been to describe changes in biomass loss and macroelements (C, Ca, K, Mg, N, Na, P, S) and trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) contents during breakdown of Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L. (European frog-bit). The questions underlying the study were: Does element concentration in plant litter or the environment affect the rate and pattern of H. morsus-ranae decomposition? What are the chemical predictors of the H. morsus-ranae detritus decay rate? An in situ experiment on decomposition was conducted using the litter-bag technique. H. morsus-ranae was found to be a fast decomposing macrophyte. The Na, Mn and K release rates were the largest, and the concentrations of C, N, P, S and trace metals in litter increased during the decay. In study sites that differed in element concentrations in fresh plant material and water plants had different decay rates and final element contents. Both the inhibitory effect of contaminants (Cd and Ni) and/or stimulatory effect of nutrients (P, N) and essential elements, such as Fe, Mg and Mn, could cause variation in decomposition observed between the study sites.
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Intensive lignite and glass sand mining and industrial processing release wastes that may contain elements which are hazardous to the aquatic ecosystem, and constitute a potential human health risk so their level must be carefully... more
Intensive lignite and glass sand mining and industrial processing release wastes that may contain elements which are hazardous to the aquatic ecosystem, and constitute a potential human health risk so their level must be carefully controlled. Therefore we examined the effects of pollution by the sewages in the Nysa Łużycka (lignite industry) and the Kwisa river (glass sand industry) on the aquatic moss Fontinalis antipyretica. The aim was to improve the use of this moss for biomonitoring this type of contamination. The Nysa Łużycka and Kwisa rivers appeared to be heavily polluted with As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn what was reflected in an extremely high concentration of these elements in F. antipyretica along these rivers. This species from the Nysa Łużycka influenced by lignite industry sewages accumulated the highest concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in its tissues and from the Kwisa sites influenced by glass sand industry sewages the highest conce...
Acrocarpous mosses present on stonewalls in urban areas may be used for monitoring purposes. Therefore for this investigation we selected Tortula muralis expecting that this species with an ability to colonise buildings in polluted... more
Acrocarpous mosses present on stonewalls in urban areas may be used for monitoring purposes. Therefore for this investigation we selected Tortula muralis expecting that this species with an ability to colonise buildings in polluted agglomerations where other species have vanished may provide important information to monitor environmental quality. Concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in T. muralis, in dust deposited on sandstone surfaces, and in the sandstones on which the moss grew were measured. T. muralis appeared to be a good bioindicator of airborne pollution which accumulated especially extremely high Cu, Fe and Zn concentrations reaching values much higher than harmful for plants. There was no relation between metal concentrations in underlying sandstones and T. ruralis. There was a relation between metal concentrations in dust and T. muralis. Cd, Co, Cr, Mn and V concentrations in T. muralis were higher than in dust. The Self-Organizing Feature Map identifying groups of sampling sites with similar concentrations of metals in mosses was able to classify the pollution level by distinguishing groups of highly, medium and less polluted sites. Once trained, SOFM can be applied in ecological investigations and could form a future basis for recognizing e.g. the type of pollution in urban environments by analysing the concentrations of elements in T. muralis.
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Pteridium aquilinum is a ubiquitous species considered to be one of the plants most resistant to metals. This fern meets the demands for a good bioindicator to improve environmental control. Therefore, it was of interest to survey the... more
Pteridium aquilinum is a ubiquitous species considered to be one of the plants most resistant to metals. This fern meets the demands for a good bioindicator to improve environmental control. Therefore, it was of interest to survey the accumulation of Cr and Ni in the rhizome and fronds of this species collected in Lower Silesia (SW Poland) of serpentinite rich in Cr and Ni and granite poor in these metals. Additionally, concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were measured in granite and serpentinite parent rocks, soils, and in P. aquilinum (rhizome and fronds). The experiment was carried out with rhizomes of ferns from both types of soils placed in pots supplemented with 50, 100, and 250 mg kg(-1) of Cr or Ni or both elements together. At a concentration of 250 mg kg(-1) of Cr, Ni, or Cr + Ni, fronds (from granite or serpentinite origin) contained significantly higher Cr and Ni concentrations when both metals were supplied together. In the same concentration of 250...
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Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are toxic contaminants with a persistent character and adverse effects on humans and wildlife. Therefore, the deposition of these chemicals in vegetation must be carefully controlled. Our objective... more
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are toxic contaminants with a persistent character and adverse effects on humans and wildlife. Therefore, the deposition of these chemicals in vegetation must be carefully controlled. Our objective was to determine PBDE concentrations (BDEs 28, 47, 66, 85, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183 and 209) in Pleurozium schreberi collected in a heavily industrialized urban agglomeration. High PBDE concentrations in the moss confirm the presence of active sources of atmospheric pollution in an area tested. The distribution of these xenobiotics was related to the vegetation cover being lower in sites surrounded by forests which indicates that PBDEs may have a tendency to be trapped from the air by tree leaves and needles. Congener profiles in P. schreberi were dominated by BDE 209 which was for 79% (in case of the coke smelter) to 95% (in case of the chemical plant) part of the total PBDE burden in this moss. The principal component and classification analysis classifying the concentration of PBDEs in P. schreberi allowed us to distinguish the pattern of these compounds characteristic for the origin of pollution. P. schreberi may be used as a bioindicator for PBDEs in areas contaminated with these chemicals.
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Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
In this investigation we focus on the concentration of elements in Viscum album and its host (Sorbus aucuparia) as bioindicators of urban pollution. These broadly widespread species, very common in polluted areas may provide important... more
In this investigation we focus on the concentration of elements in Viscum album and its host (Sorbus aucuparia) as bioindicators of urban pollution. These broadly widespread species, very common in polluted areas may provide important information to monitor environmental quality throughout the year, especially for V. album. Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations were measured in the leaves and soil of the tree S. aucuparia as well as in V. album, a semi-parasite living on this tree species. The tree and the semi-parasite were studied in the urban environment of Oława (SW Poland). This area was selected because of the influence of a zinc smelter on the level of metal pollution of soil and plants and to compare the ability of S. aucuparia and V. album to accumulate metals. V. album appeared to be a better bioaccumulator of Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn and a weaker accumulator of Co than S. aucuparia in less polluted sites of Oława. S. aucuparia was a better bioaccumulator of Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn and a weaker accumulator of Co than V. album in more polluted sites. Cluster analysis of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations in plants distinguished sites with lower and higher pollution levels which suggests a possibility of using these species for bioindication. However, the ratio of metals in V. album to S. aucuparia was different depending on the pollution level.